The Arizona Diamondbacks and Casino Arizona on Friday unveiled a new partnership naming the casino and its sister property, Talking Stick Resort, as the official casino and resort partner for the Major League Baseball team.
Casino Arizona is an enterprise owned and operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC).
As part of the partnership, the logos of Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort will be featured on signage throughout Chase Field, the home ballpark of the Diamondbacks. This will include what the parties described as “unique field insignias” in front of the home and visiting dugouts.
The Diamondbacks will open a VIP lounge behind the visiting dugout for Casino Arizona and its guests to enjoy during games.
In addition, the partnership reportedly will enhance the team’s annual Native American Inter-Tribal Baseball and Softball Tournament, which is scheduled to take place May 25-29, and Native American Recognition Day (May 29).
The parties noted today’s announcement builds on more than a decade of a partnership at Salt River Fields (SRF), home of the first Major League Baseball facility to be built on Native American land.
Since SRF opened in 2011, the facility holds the top nine all-time attendance records in the history of MLB Spring Training, has brought infrastructure and investment to the area, and is the site for the USS Arizona Memorial Gardens, located at the stadium's Home Plate entrance.
Officials with the D-backs and the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation said they have been committed to investing in and supporting the Arizona Native American community, including making more than $3m in charitable contributions to the community over nearly half a century.
In 1999, the Foundation established the Native American Inter-Tribal Baseball and Softball Tournament, which has made it possible for 20,000 youth and young adults as well as 1,200 Inter-Tribal teams to participate in the friendly but competitive event. Together with the Colorado Rockies, the D-backs refurbished Lehi Field, with an additional SRPMIC field planned in the coming year.
“I am thrilled to welcome Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort to our family,” D-backs President and CEO Derrick Hall said in a statement. “The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community has long been a valued partner of the Arizona Diamondbacks, and I look forward to growing our relationship with Casino Arizona, creating memorable experiences for their guests at Chase Field and impacting members of their community.”
Ramon Martinez, director of public relations for Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort, added: “We are always looking for like-minded organizations with which to align our Enterprise. Over the course of our lengthy relationship with the Arizona Diamondbacks, they have demonstrated a true commitment to their fans and the greater community. We are excited for Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort to grow with a partner who shares our values.”
